Appeals to a broad population of parents due to its brevity and clarity, (under 20,000 words) including those who would likely never pick up a lengthier book on the same subject.Offers practical advice from the unique perspective of the author, who is an experienced classroom teacher, parent, author, and speaker.Introduces the key concept of the Invisible Toolbox that every child brings to kindergarten and explains how reading aloud fills it with the tools a child needs in order to be successful in school.Combines anecdotal evidence with statistics and research in language acquisition, education, psychology, and neuroscience.Explores not only the academic, but also the psychological and emotional implications of reading aloud through strengthening the parent-child relationship.Alerts parents to the current literacy crisis in the United States, but remains focused on the difference they can make in the life of their very own child.